Monthly Archives: March 2018

Many factors need to be considered when buying new or second-hand sports equipment including cost, versatility, size and storage.

If you are taking your first steps towards fitness and are nervous about exercising in front of strangers or if you simply don’t know if you will find the time in your busy schedule to make it to the gym, then opting for used home fitness equipment is an excellent idea.

Not only can used home equipment be sourced at substantially cheaper prices than you would pay in a sports shop, but the convenience of having it, ready for use at any time of day or night, may well just be the incentive needed to follow through on your good intentions and to achieve your fitness goals.

However, a word of warning before you rush to make your purchase. Make sure when buying second-hand that you are not buying someone else’s problem. There may be a reason why it is such a bargain, so:

1. Do your homework first and decide which type of equipment you want to work with. There are lots of websites out there either written by retailers or enthusiasts that have excellent reviews of new equipment. Many include comments on the item’s robustness, reliability and the available features. As a rule of thumb the more well known brands tend to survive longest with the least maintenance problems as they have a reputation to maintain.

2. When you have decided, familiarise yourself with the particular niche you are researching such as elliptical trainers, treadmills or step machines and narrow it down to one or two models which sound the most suitable for your circumstances. Then look to see what is out there in the second-hand market and start to compare prices.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask if it the seller is aware of any maintenance issues and why they no longer require it.

4. When searching the internet remember too that there is a big difference between equipment labelled ‘reconditioned’, ‘re manufactured’ and just ‘second-hand’. Those in the first category have been repaired so they function OK and have no broken bits, where as the second type have been stripped down to it’s separate components before being cleaned, repaired and reassembled. Both should come with some form of warranty.

The third type is just as it says, second-hand and probably sold as seen with no maintenance history or warranty. Remember also, that even ‘in date’ warranties are often non transferrable to a new owner so buyer beware!

In my experience, it is best to start with an established company who will offer sound, impartial advice and a decent warranty. There are companies like this who specialize in supplying reconditioned equipment of a professional gym standard but with much smaller price tag than buying new.

With the start of every new school year, many students develop an interest in a sport that they had never played before. This excitement over a physical activity that can provide exercise and help students develop a sense of discipline inevitably means that parents will have to make purchases that they were not expecting. For those parents looking for a way to best encourage their children’s new interests, there are 5 important reasons to buy used sports equipment.

#1: Sports Equipment Is Often Used for a Short Period of Time and Then Forgotten

One of the main things to consider when investing in new gear is how often one will use it. When buying for a growing child, any sports-related hardware will inevitably have a short shelf life. Even for adults looking to explore something new, they may not use their equipment as often as they first envision. Buying used merchandise provides the benefit of lowering the initial investment in what can potentially be a short-lived interest.

#2: Buying Used Supports Local Businesses

The manufacturers of gear are often major corporations that distribute their products for sale in large, national chains. By visiting their local store to buy used, consumers help fellow community members develop a livelihood. Many people accumulate supplies that they never use, and these stores help their communities by recycling and providing hardware at a discounted rate to families and individuals that may find it difficult to keep investing in sports-related merchandise.

#3: Donating Sports Equipment Is a Great Thing

Not all individuals and families have the extra income to be consistently investing in new supplies. Stores that recycle equipment truly help those people participate in a very healthy enterprise. By supporting a used store, consumers are also indirectly supporting all of the individuals that want to play a range of athletic activities but may not have the means to do it.

#4: Stores Buy Used Equipment

Just as major chains need suppliers for their merchandise, local stores also need a source for their products. Even if people have invested in new supplies, they can recoup some of their investment by selling it to a local store. Not only will people be supporting a great cause, but they can also profit from that support.

#5: Buying Used Is More Economical

The common thread to all of the benefits to buying used sports equipment is that they are ultimately cheaper than buying new. Even if people have the means to purchase brand new items, they will still most likely only used them for a short period of time. There is no need to spend more when consumers can support a good cause and save money while doing it.